A Collector

The bigger picture

In a dimly lit room, the chessboard sat between Izuku Yagi and All For One, each piece representing a strategic move in their ongoing game of chess. The tension was palpable, thick with the weight of their conversation. All For One leaned back, fingers steepled, observing the young villain before him with a calculating gaze.

"Your move, Izuku." All For One said, his voice smooth yet laden with underlying menace. "Let's discuss the heroes and how you plan to take their place."

Izuku studied the board, his mind racing. "Taking them down won't be easy. They've built a system that relies on their quirks and public image. We need a strategy that undermines that foundation."

"All true," All For One replied, moving a pawn forward. "But first, we need to determine what kind of quirk you would require to take control effectively. Something that can sway public perception, instill fear, and build a new order."

Izuku's brow furrowed. "We need something that not only counters their strengths but also turns the tide of public opinion. A quirk that can manipulate emotions—fear, adoration, or even loyalty—could be essential."

"All excellent points," All For One said, nodding. "Imagine a quirk that can project illusions, making it seem as though you're performing heroic deeds while undermining the real heroes. You could build a persona that resonates with the masses."

"True," Izuku acknowledged. "But we also need to identify who could replace the current heroes. Not just anyone can fill that role; they need to resonate with the public and have the strength to back it up."

"Perhaps former sidekicks or lower-ranked heroes," All For One suggested, moving a knight into position. "Those who've been overlooked, who harbor resentment toward the established order. You could offer them a chance to rise while simultaneously dismantling their former idols."

"That could work," Izuku said, considering the implications. "We could recruit those who have the skills but lack recognition. They would be eager to prove themselves, and with the right push, they could sway public opinion in our favor."

"You understand the importance of perception. With a well-orchestrated campaign, you could create a narrative that frames the heroes as outdated, as obstacles to progress. A quirk that allows you to manipulate media or even the minds of influential figures could amplify that narrative."

"I could create doubt in the public's mind about their heroes," Izuku mused, moving his rook strategically. "If we can make the citizens question the reliability and morality of those in power, we can start to chip away at their influence."

"Precisely," All For One replied, a smile creeping onto his face. "But you'll also need a powerful front line—something that can deal with the delusional."

"You mean like them..." Izuku turned to tanks full of Nomu - monsters creatures with their brains exposed.

"powerful creatures and extremely loyal but you do need people, real people that will follow you." All for one said contemplating the board and the game unfolding before them. "Your ambition is commendable, Izuku. With the right quirks and strategies, you could reshape society in ways we've only dreamed of."

"Quirks aren't everything..." All for one laughed at what  Izuku said. "it's true but you don't believe that, do you." All For One said, moving a piece with deliberate precision. "And as we do, remember: every move matters. The future is at stake, and only the strongest will survive."

As the chess game continued, Izuku felt the gravity of their conversation pressing down on him. Each piece on the board became a symbol of the choices he would have to make, the allies he would need to gather, and the heroes he would need to dismantle. He was no longer just playing a game; he was strategizing for a new world order, ready to take the first steps into a future he had the power to shape.

"Then let's do it," Izuku declared, moving his knight into a pivotal position. "Let's take the first steps toward building a new order." All For One chuckled softly, "Every revolution has its sacrifices. Are you prepared to make those sacrifices?"

Izuku met his gaze, feeling the weight of the question. "I'll do what it takes to protect those who can't protect themselves. But I won't lose sight of what's right."

"An admirable sentiment," All For One said, a hint of approval in his voice. "But remember, power must be wielded with an iron fist. Drive can only go so far; control is essential. The heroes have used their image to maintain order, and it's your job to dismantle that image."

 "We can't just rely on fear. We need to offer hope and a vision for the future. A world where quirks are no longer used as tools of oppression and show of power but as instruments of progress."

"Fear is a powerful motivator," All For One replied. "We'll need to create a climate where dissent is discouraged. If we can instill fear in those who oppose us, they will think twice before challenging your new regime." All for One was quite proud of him. He was also for once in his long life grateful to All Might, for it was his rejection that acted as the final nail in the coffin that brought Izuku's brilliant mind to the villains' side. It was because of this that the scarred man decided for the first time to be both kind and cruel, by saying something this boy's probably never heard his entire life. "...I believe you will accomplish great things with this plan."

"What?" Izuku asked in disbelief. Did he hear that correctly?

"I said I believe in you", All for One couldn't see it, but he could hear the small sounds of a choked sob. Izuku fell to his knees gripping the front of his shirt tightly. It was a very kind hearted thing the older man did, to give this boy back the hope that was taken away, but at the same time it was cruel that a villain of all people was the one to do it. Didn't exactly paint a better picture of the world did it? A world where heroes reject him for being powerless but villains praise him for his brilliance. It's all backwards.

"You...believe...in me", Izuku whispered while wiping his eyes. "Thank you sir"

"Your welcome", Sensei smiled. "Now then, I would like you to bar my name..."

"Your name?"

"Shigaraki, It's my last name I doubt you'd want to keep Yagi, unless you want to completely change your name?" All For One said as a man made of black mist was walking with a yellow winged Nomu which was pushing a cart with four tanks with purple liquid.